STA Senior Research Communication Consultant

KONEKSI – Australia-Indonesia Knowledge Partnership Platform; Indonesia; Hybrid; IDR 369,000,000 - 553,500,000; Part time

Job summary

Cowater International is seeking a STA Senior Research Communications Consultant to analyse 24 ongoing and completed research projects and summarise results for Indonesian and Australian government stakeholders. The role focuses on clear, accessible language aligned with policy priorities and supports the Knowledge Partnership Programme’s dissemination efforts.

The consultant will present research in formats suitable for GOI/GOA audiences and contribute to the online Knowledge and Partnerships

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in science communication (or related fields).
• Familiarity with Indonesian and Australian research and innovation ecosystems.
• Experience with Australian Government DFAT projects in Indonesia.
• Ability to summarise complex information clearly and concisely.
• Frame research in terms of development relevance.
• Understanding GEDSI in research contexts.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Ability to communicate complex findings engagingly.
• Work well independently and in a team.
• Commitment to GEDSI.
• Strong time management and organisational skills.
• Experience with Australian Government's style manual preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop 24 ongoing and completed research project summaries in the agreed format and style.
• AI-assisted drafting may be used; outputs must be reviewed for factual accuracy and compliance with policies.
• Incorporate feedback from the Senior Leadership Team and revise summaries as required.
• Ensure summaries articulate problem, methodology, key findings, relevance to policy, and potential uptake.

Skills

Research synthesis

Policy writing

GEDSI awareness

Analytical thinking

Independence

Teamwork

Time management

Stakeholder comms

Research ecosystem

Education

Advanced degree in science communication or related field

Tools

Australian Government style manual

Job description

STA Senior Research Communication Consultant

Friday, August 28, 2026 15:00

Job Title

Senior Research Communications Consultant

Reports to

Head of Partnerships Management

Position Type

Consultant, 3 Months Level of Effort up to 15 days

Location

Background of the Program

The DFAT-funded Knowledge Partnership Programme (KONEKSI) is Australia’s flagship program in the Indonesia knowledge and innovation sector. KONEKSI’s goal is to achieve an enduring relationship between Indonesia and Australia that advances mutual interest and supports Indonesia’s inclusive and sustainable development. The purpose of the program is to increase the use of knowledge-based solutions for inclusive and sustainable policies and technologies. This purpose positions KONEKSI as a vehicle to produce knowledge on complex socio-economic problems, where effective solutions are often beyond a unique sector or category of stakeholders. It will support both the knowledge to policy cycle (K2P) and the knowledge to innovation cycle (K2I), in a complementary and synergistic way. KONEKSI will focus on two End of Investment Outcomes (EOIOs):

• Australian and Indonesian organisations have increased collaboration and mutual understanding through knowledge partnerships; and
• Innovative solutions for inclusive and sustainable policies and technologies are generated by knowledge partnerships.

Summary of the Position

KONEKSI is seeking the services of a Research Communication consultant to analyse the preliminary and final research results of 24 ongoing KONEKSI research projects and summarise them in an easy-to-read format for use by the Government of Indonesia and Government of Australia. These summaries will also be used to develop a variety of communication products and presentations.

These summaries will be critical in communicating KONEKSI research results to key GOI and GOA stakeholders as well as to the public and civil society organisations who will benefit from the research results. This consultancy is focused on presenting research in alignment with GOI and GOA priorities. These summaries will also be used as part of the development of the online Knowledge and Partnerships Hub KONEKSI platform.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direction of the KONEKSI senior leadership team, the Research Communication consultant is responsible for:

• Developing summaries of 24 ongoing and completed research projects results, ensuring that the content is clear, accessible, and aligned with the format and style of previous KONEKSI research summaries;
• AI-assisted tools may be used to support drafting, formatting or consistency. All outputs must be reviewed and verified by the consultant. The consultant remains fully accountable for factual accuracy, interpretation of research findings, protection of confidential information, intellectual property obligations and compliance with KONEKSI policies.;
• Incorporating feedback from the KONEKSI Senior Leadership Team and revising the summaries as required.

In cooperation with the KONEKSI senior leadership team complete:

• 24 research project summaries covering ongoing and completed KONEKSI research projects in the agreed format and style. Each summary should be concise, accessible and suitable for senior government and policy audiences, and should clearly articulate:
  • the problem or development challenge addressed by the research;
  • the research approach and partnership;
  • key findings or emerging findings, depending on the research status;
  • relevance to policy, practice or development priorities; and
  • research impact and/or potential pathways to uptake, where applicable.

Job Requirements

Education:

• Advanced degree in science communication (communicating research/ science), international communication, international affairs, public policy, development or other relevant fields.

Experience:

• Familiarity with Indonesian and Australian research and innovation research ecosystem
• Experience in working with Australian Government (DFAT) and other major international development projects in Indonesia
• Demonstrated ability to synthesise complex information into clear, concise, and compelling written documents
• Demonstrated ability to analyse and understand a range of research topics and frame them in terms of development relevance
• Demonstrated understanding of Gender Equality, Disability and Social inclusion (GEDSI) and how it is applied in research
• Outstanding analytical and writing skills
• Proven ability to communicate complex research findings and recommendations in an interesting and digestible way.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Commitment to GEDSI
• Strong time management and organisational
• Good communication and organisational
• Experience with Australian Government’s style manual preferred.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we work.

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.

We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.

ABOUT US

Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies since 2017.